GF Machining Solutions 5-Axis Machining Centers

GF Mikron MILL E 700 U

$260,000 - $380,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

700 mm (27.6 in)

Y Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Z Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM (12,000 RPM option)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63 (ISO 40 / BT40 optional)

Tool Capacity

30 tools (60 / 120 / 170 / 215 optional)

Overview

The GF Mikron MILL E 700 U is the larger version of GF Machining Solutions' efficiency-class 5-axis lineup, delivering 700 x 600 x 500 mm (27.6 x 23.6 x 19.7 in) of X/Y/Z travel with a trunnion table for full 5-axis simultaneous machining. Where the E 500 U handles compact parts, the E 700 U opens the door to larger mold components, medium aerospace structures, and production parts that need both generous travel and 5-axis access.

The spindle options mirror the E 500 U: a 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 delivering 120 Nm of torque, or a 12,000 RPM ISO/BT40 variant. The HSK-A63 option is the standout — 120 Nm gives this machine genuine roughing capability in addition to finishing, making it a true single-setup platform for many 5-axis parts. You can rough a titanium aerospace bracket and finish it to spec without moving the part.

The Ø 630 mm T-slot trunnion table handles workpieces up to 300 kg (661 lb) standard, expanding to 500 kg (1,102 lb) with the 5-axis simultaneous option. The -65° to +120° A-axis swivel range provides excellent geometry access for undercuts and complex surfaces. Feed rate is 30 m/min (1,181 ipm), and the tool magazine scales from 30 to 215 pockets with the tool tower system.

The Heidenhain TNC 640 or Fanuc 0i-MD control handles the processing demands of 5-axis simultaneous programs. The machine's cast iron construction provides good rigidity and reasonable thermal behavior, though it lacks the polymer granite and active thermal management of the S and P series.

New MILL E 700 U machines price between $260,000 and $380,000. The E 700 U competes with the DMG Mori DMU 65 monoBlock, Mazak Variaxis i-600, and Okuma MU-5000V in the mid-size 5-axis market.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	700 mm (27.6 in)
Y-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Z-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM (12,000 RPM option)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63 (ISO 40 / BT40 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Torque	120 Nm (88.5 ft-lb)
Tool Capacity	30 tools (60 / 120 / 170 / 215 optional)
Table Size	Ø 630 mm (24.8 in) T-slot trunnion
Max Work Weight	300 kg (661 lb); 500 kg (1,102 lb) with 5-axis option
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Swivel Range	A-axis: -65° to +120°, C-axis: 360° continuous
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640 / Fanuc 0i-MD
Machine Weight	10,000 kg (22,046 lb)
Machine Base	Cast iron

Specifications sourced from gfms.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

700 x 600 x 500 mm travel provides generous envelope for medium to large 5-axis components
HSK-A63 spindle with 120 Nm torque enables roughing through finishing in a single 5-axis setup
Ø 630 mm trunnion table with 500 kg capacity handles substantial production parts
215-pocket tool tower option eliminates manual tool changes across complex multi-operation programs
Competitive pricing makes genuine 5-axis capability accessible to job shops and production operations
-65° to +120° A-axis swivel provides excellent undercut access for complex geometries

Limitations

Cast iron construction lacks the vibration damping of polymer granite, limiting ultimate surface finish capability
30 m/min rapids are slower than the S series' 61 m/min, adding non-cutting time on larger parts
No active thermal management — accuracy over extended 5-axis cycles requires stable shop temperature
10,000 kg machine weight requires solid floor preparation and professional rigging
GF's service presence in the mid-range 5-axis segment faces strong competition from DMG Mori and Mazak service networks

Best For

Job shops adding versatile 5-axis capability for reducing setups on complex medium-sized parts Aerospace subcontractors machining structural components requiring 5-axis geometry access Mold and die shops needing 5-axis for complex cavity work with the ability to rough and finish in one setup Medical device production requiring 5-axis access on larger implants and surgical instrument components Production environments running mixed part geometries that benefit from 5-axis flexibility Shops needing a mid-size 5-axis with enough torque and rigidity for challenging materials like titanium and Inconel

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new GF Mikron MILL E 700 U cost?

New MILL E 700 U machines price between $260,000 and $380,000 depending on spindle, control, tool magazine, and automation packages. The tool tower upgrade to 215 pockets adds $40,000-$60,000. Used machines from 2016-2021 trade between $120,000 and $250,000.

02 How does the E 700 U compare to the DMG Mori DMU 65 monoBlock?

Both target the mid-size 5-axis market with similar work envelopes. The DMU 65 offers faster rapids (42 m/min), the option of Siemens or Heidenhain control, and a much larger service network. The E 700 U counters with GF's spindle technology, the scalable tool tower system, and potentially tighter build quality. Pricing is comparable. Service availability strongly favors DMG Mori in most regions.

03 What's the difference between the E 500 U and E 700 U?

The E 700 U adds 200mm of X-axis travel (700 vs 500mm), 150mm of Y travel (600 vs 450mm), and 100mm of Z travel (500 vs 400mm). The trunnion table is also larger (Ø 630 vs Ø 500mm). Spindle options are identical. Choose the E 700 U when part size demands the larger envelope; the E 500 U for smaller parts where the compact footprint matters.

04 Can the E 700 U handle titanium machining?

Yes. The 120 Nm HSK-A63 spindle provides adequate torque for titanium production at moderate material removal rates. For aggressive titanium roughing, the HPM 400U with 35 kW power is more appropriate. The E 700 U handles titanium finishing and moderate roughing well — it's a practical choice for aerospace shops that aren't pushing extreme MRR.

05 Is the tool tower worth the investment?

For high-mix 5-axis production, the tool tower (120/170/215 pockets) is transformative. It eliminates manual tool loading between jobs and enables true lights-out 5-axis production. The ROI depends on how many different programs you run — if you regularly exceed 30-60 tools per shift, the tower pays for itself through reduced downtime and operator labor.